seth walsh hanged himself from a tree in his backyard, and 15-year-old billy lucas killed himself in indiana, all reportedly over relentless teasing about their sexuality. according to a recent survey on gay bullying, nine out of 10 gay and lesbian student are bullied at school. those statistics, student at harvey milk high school in manhattan know all too well. this is one of the first high schools in the country, open primarily for gay, lesbian, and transgender students. >> i think people get scared and fearful, and not because they were born into that fear but because it was taught by society. >> reporter: tonight, prosecutors say they will investigate whether this was a bias crime. katie. >> couric: byron pitts. byron, thank you very much. we ask for your comment and questions on twitter and facetoday. jan crawford in washington is our chief legal correspondent. jan, what kind of laws against bullying are currently on the books? >> reporter: well, katie, there's no federal law, but 45 states do have laws, the strongest require things like anti-bullying classes in schools, counseling for